how doe ibuprofin work?

Question

i've tried every kind of pill for my molar ache. Then I tried Ibuprofin and it works great. How does it work?

Answer 1

Ibuprofen is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones in you body that actively cause inflammation and pain ...

Answer 2

Here are the basics, from the sites I've linked at the bottom:

"In your question, you pointed out one of the major differences between ibuprofen (one member of a class of drugs referred to as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, for short) and acetaminophen. This important difference is that ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory effects while acetaminophen does not. Both of these drugs are pain relievers, or analgesics. However, with musculoskeletal injuries, there frequently is inflammation in the injured area, as well as pain. Relieving pain is obviously of extreme importance, but reducing inflammation is a priority as well. Inflammation can result in tissue damage and can also cause pain. Thus, the primary reason why you instructed injured athletes to treat their themselves with ibuprofen and not acetaminophen is to reduce inflammation while also relieving pain."

"An anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as Ibuprofen reduces the production of prostaglandins, restoring nerve endings to their normal sensitivity. The reduction of the production of prostaglandins also increases mobility and relieves symptoms of pain, swelling and redness. In effect Ibuprofen can reduce pain as well as the inflammation that causes the pain."

In other words, ibuprofen knocks out the hormone (prostaglandins) that produces pain and inflammation in nerves. Acetaminophen - like Tylenol - does not.

I love ibuprofen for my menstrual cramps for the same reason!

Answer 3

Ibuprofen is a NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drug). It is a COX (cycloxygenase) inhibitor, which inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandin. It is believed to inhibit COX 1 and 2. It is in the same drug group as Aspirin.